UNLESS YOU’VE BEEN living under a rock, you’ll know that the Deposit Return Scheme has been up and running in Ireland since February 1, 2024.

Here at The Journal, we previously talked through everything you needed to know about the scheme - from the deposit fee to the participating retailers and reverse vending machines. 

From launch, the main aim is to value our resources and ensure all drinks containers from 150ml – 3l made from PET plastic bottles and aluminium cans are returned to RVMs  nationwide. This ensures separate collection of high quality recyclate and no cross contamination. As part of the scheme, a small deposit fee has been added to cans and bottles that will be refunded to the customer once the container is returned. This circular economy initiative which has been implemented worldwide has resulted in significant increase in recycling rates and reduction of litter waste.

With the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme, Ireland has joined the likes of Germany, Sweden and Slovakia, who operate similar schemes. The scheme aligns with other circular economy initiatives in Ireland that aim to move away from the ‘take, make and dispose’ culture to one of returning valuable materials and keeping them in the economy for as long as possible. 

So, how have we fared against other countries in Europe? And eight months on, what are the benefits that we’ve seen from the Deposit Return Scheme?

Check out the video above to have all your questions answered. 

Find out more about the the Re-turn here and get involved today.